Just because we're always hungry…

by Hazel Aguilon

For us foodies, every meal is a unique experience. We’ve had our fair share of the good, the bad, and even the ugly; some more memorable than others.

Today, we’re going to talk about a dining experience so out of the ordinary that it earned a spot on Forbes Magazine’s list of the world’s Top 10 Most Unusual Restaurants—DINNER IN THE SKY.

Dinner In The Sky first took off in Brussels, Belgium back in 2006 and has since been enjoyed in more than 45 cities around the world, now including Manila. The Foodie Station was among the first to try this truly unforgettable culinary adventure organized by MMI Live and DITS Asia when it opened at Solaire Resort and Casino two weeks ago.

THE FLIGHT

We arrived at the VIP Lounge with plenty of time to spare for our 7pm scheduled take off. We were asked to sign a waiver upon registration, and then given wrist bands with corresponding seat numbers. We enjoyed complimentary drinks while waiting for the first batch of diners to finish. Before heading out to the dining area, most of us went for a quick bathroom break as advised by the organizers.

We were instructed to store our belongings in individual lockers (locker assignment corresponds to your seat number), but of course allowed to bring our phones and cameras. (TIP: wear something with pockets so you can bring extras – this writer was able to bring oil control film, lipstick, and a compact because priorities.)

Boarding was swift and systematic. Each one of us was strapped down to a rollercoaster-like seat. Those who seemed anxious were given extra reassurance that they had nothing to worry about.

After some last minute reminders from a safety officer, it was finally time for our 22-seater table to be hoisted up by a crane 150 feet above ground. The ascent was slow and steady that we barely even felt it. The view was nothing short of breathtaking, and we all took it in while the lively Chef Hylton Le Roux started talking about the Latin-inspired food we were about to feast on.

THE FOOD

Ours was a four-course meal that came with a glass of orange juice and bottled water (Economy Class, P9,990 per pax).

We loved how tasty and juicy the chicken was. The skin was charred to perfection, and gave every bite an added oomph. The baby beetroot was an element of the dish that we enjoyed more than expected. The tamarind habanero glaze gave it just the right balance of acid and sweetness. Everything on our plate worked together harmoniously.

Every bite of the delicious pork was like an explosion of flavors in our mouth—it was salty and spicy with a hint of sweetness. Chef explained that the pork belly was brined in orange juice, garlic and cumin for two days before it was slow-cooked, cut, and topped with chicarrones. All that effort did not go to waste, as we absolutely loved this dish!

Dessert:

Dulce de leche cheesecake dome, praline, chocolate texture

For dessert, Chef Hylton got our competitive juices flowing when he announced an impromptu plating contest. We didn’t win, but we felt like winners anyway once we got a taste of that decadent cheesecake. We had about half of our dessert left when we realized we were already close to landing.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

One hour went by so fast, but we sure enjoyed every minute of it.

Dinner In The Sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we would recommend to those who are celebrating special occasions, those who want to impress their dates, those who want to conquer their fear of heights in style, and pretty much ANYONE who appreciates good food, good service and a fantastic view. It’s going to cost you a pretty penny—their packages start at P9990 and could cost as much as P24,990 per person. BUT if you’re looking to splurge, we suggest you do it here and you do it fast, as it runs for a limited time only from April 1 to May 21, 2018. Chefs and their menus vary depending on your date of booking.